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Review: ASUS BC-06B1ST |
ASUSTek Computer Inc. has been active in the computer industry for a good number of years manufacturing motherboards, graphics cards, notebook computers as well as optical drives. You might read more in depth information regarding the ASUSTek Computer Inc. Here:
We have had the privilege of reviewing several of their drives over the years. The latest of their next generation of Optical Disc Drives is the BC-06B1ST that enables us to enjoy High Definition movie playback which ASUS USA was kind enough to send us.
The ASUS BC-06B1ST is a powerful and energy-saving Blu-ray ROM drive capable of reading BD media at 6X. Single layer 4.7GB DVD burning is supported at 16X max. Double Layer and Dual Layer Recording speed is 8X max. DVD Rewriteable speeds are 8X max for DVD+RW and 6X max for DVD-RW respectively. DVD-RAM recording is supported at 12X max. Very fast 48X max CD-R burning and 32X max CD-RW, with these features this latest drive sounds promising.
In this review we will demonstrate the performance of the BC-06B1ST by running the drive through many tests on a considerable amount of various CD/DVD/BD media.
Is this the “drive” for you? Keep reading and let’s find out.
Let’s move along now and take a closer look at the ASUS BC-06B1ST.
Drive Specifications
Multi Function: (X MULTI)
- Max: 6XBD-ROM/R/RE SL / 4X BD-ROM/R/RE DL Read
- MAX: 16X DVD-Rom / 48X CD-ROM Read
- Max: 16X DVD±R / 8X DVD+RW / 6X DVD-RW Write
- Max: 8X DVD±R (DL) Write
- Max: 48X CD-R / 32X CD-RW Write
- Max: 12X DVD-RAM Write and Read
TTHD
TTHD (True Theater High Definition) Technology is an innovative suite of advanced video enhancement technologies that deliver unsurpassed quality for DVD movies on PC-based home-theater systems. TTHD fills the gap between standard resolution content and high-definition display capabilities, boosting DVD video quality to achieve HD-like results and smoother playback. TTHD enables you to enjoy high definition display.
Disc Encryption
Disc Encryption allows you to protect an entire disc or its partial content contents with a password. Disc Encryption features provide 128-bit encryption for protecting data discs. Users can protect an entire disc or partial content. And also allows users to hide the names of files. User can protects its important data easily and flexibility.
OTS
With Optimal Tuning Strategy (OTS), the drive will perform a test before really burning which generate the optimal burning strategy automatically for the best burning quality.
Energy Green Engine (E-green)
The innovative E-Green Engine technology features an E-Green Mode that automatically closes drive applications when not in use to help conserve energy - helping the environment by decreasing CO2 emissions and reducing the depletion of trees.
FlextraLinkTM Buffer Underrun Errors Prevention Technology
Built-in FlextraLinkTM prevents users from buffer underrun problems and eliminates the creation of unusable discs. Throughout the recording process, FlextraLinkTM consistently monitors the data buffer status to ensure best recording quality under high-speed operation.
FlextraSpeedTM Optimal Writing Speed Adjustment Technology
Built-in FlextraSpeedTM and AI Auto Speed Adjustment Tech. enhance accuracy and reliability when reading/writing/re-writing across a broad range of certified media in different formats. FlextraSpeedTM continuously monitors the recording media and sets the optimal writing speeds to ensure best recording quality. The ASUS proprietary FlextraSpeedTM occupies minimal system resources so the PC remains fully operational and available for other applications even during recording process.
Superior Stability with DDSSII
The DDSS technology is designed to minimize the vibration caused by the spindle motor and resonance between components as well as the drive and PC cases. The ASUS patented DDSSII stabilizes, both horizontally and vertically, the pick-up head, achieving more precise tracking and focusing, while reducing vibration and noise caused by high-revolution spindle motors.
Drive Specifications
What’s inside the box?
The drive we received was a retail package that comes with all you need for an easy and quick installation. The retail package includes the following:
- BC-06B1ST ASUS BD Combo Drive
- CyberLink BD Solution CD
- Quick installation guide
Retail Package Contents
Moving right along, let’s take a closer look at the Package Details.
Box Front
Box Rear
Now let’s take a closer look at the drive itself:
Drive Front
Drive Rear
Drive Left
Drive Right
Drive Bottom
Drive Top
Drive Sticker
Test machine
For this review we will be using a “Home Built” computer with the following configurations:
- Processor: Intel Core 2 Quad Q6600 @ 3.2GHz
- Memory: 4GB, OCZ Reaper DDR2 1066
- Video: SAPHIRE Radeon HD 4850 256-bit GDDR3
- Sound: Realtek 8111B 8 Channels Audio, onboard
- Hard Disks: 1X WD Raptor WD150GB, 1X WD 750 GB
- Optical Drives: ASUS BC-06B1ST, BenQ DW1655, Lite-On DH203AH, LG GGW-H20L, Optiarc AD-7200A, Lite-On DH203AP, Pioneer DVR-216D and the LG GH22LP20.
System set-up:
The drive identifies itself as: ASUS BC-06B1ST and is installed SATA, with firmware 1.00 with a 2MB buffer.
Software
Windows Vista Business SP1 64bit installed on our test system; we will also be using the following software for this review:
Included Software with the Drive
The ASUS BC-06B1ST ships with the CyberLink BD Solution CD, containing the following programs:
- ASUS E-Green
- ASUS Live Firmware Update
- PowerDVD
- PowerBackup
- Instant Burn
- Power 2Go
As we can see from the below screenshot from the CyberLink install; these package contains everything a new owner of the BC-06B1ST will need to get started.
